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The powerhouse Sony TA-ZHIES headphone amp features a plethora of connection options, so it can work with all types of audio gear. Yet it was tailor-made for the Sony MDR-Z1R Signature Series headphones, and pushes them to their peak performance. Former Crutchfield scribe Dave Bar — a legendary audiophile 'round these parts, and hard man to please — was blown away by Sony's flagship headphone and amp combo:

A winning combination

The powerhouse Sony TA-ZHIES headphone amp features a plethora of connection options, so it can work with all types of audio gear. Yet it was tailor-made for the Sony MDR-Z1R Signature Series headphones, and pushes them to their peak performance. Former Crutchfield scribe Dave Bar — a legendary audiophile 'round these parts, and hard man to please — was blown away by Sony's flagship headphone and amp combo:

"Listening to a high-res version of Bob Marley's hauntingly beautiful Redemption Song through the MDR-Z1R headphones and Sony's TA-ZH1ES headphone amp gave me chills. You could positively feel the anguish in Bob's voice as it carried over the spare, woody resonance of his acoustic guitar. I've never heard this track reproduced with such depth and emotion. Simply stunning. One of the best and most revealing headphone listening experiences I have ever had.

"One of the things I like most about these cans is their ability to unravel even the densest recordings, laying bare each element and placing it into its own respective space. They sound deep, detailed, and transparent without ever becoming harsh or overly analytical — much like the best vacuum tube electronics.

"I'm usually an “open back” headphone kind of guy — preferring their generally more airy and spacious presentation — but the closed-back MDR-Z1R not only provided much of that spaciousness I love, they also delivered the extra visceral punch and power that sealed cans do so well. It's like having the best of both worlds."

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Features

S-Master Amplifier w/ D.A. Hybrid Amplifier Circuit: High impedance
headphones require high power, but this can create a difference between the
actual and ideal signal. Sony's non-feedback S-Master technology maintains the purity of digital
sound, while Sony's new D.A. Hybrid Amplifier Circuit corrects the conversion
error caused by switching amplification for a cleaner, more natural sound,

DC Phase Linearizer: Sony's DC Phase Linearizer works to effectively
replicate a wide variety of sonic signatures. It applies digital-signal
processing to match the phase characteristics of various types of analog
amplifiers to deliver a more analog-like sound.

Advanced FPGA Processing: To maximize the potential of the new D.A.
Hybrid Amplifier Circuit, Sony engineers developed the amplifier using an
advanced FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) processor.

Structural Integrity: The Sony TA-ZH1ES headphone amplifier has been
precision-crafted from the outside in to maximize audio quality.

FBW Chassis: The TA-ZH1ES features a rigid FBW chassis, which has
been designed to isolate the circuit board from vibration. By minimizing
vibration and preventing lateral movement, noise is reduced for a cleaner,
purer sound. The newly added wall structure is made from a large aluminum
block for high rigidity.

Acoustically Tuned Panel: The headphone amplifier's top panel is
made from a combination of steel and aluminum. These materials each have
their own resonance frequency, and when used in combination, they suppress
each other. The result is the effective elimination of unnecessary
resonance.

Double Layer Bottom Plate: The TA-ZH1ES features an innovative
chassis design. The structure of the baseplate supporting the FBW chassis
has two layers for enhanced rigidity and a low center of gravity. This added
protection and durability enhances sound quality.

Connections

Analog Input: The Sony TA-ZH1ES features a set of stereo RCA inputs
for connecting an external analog audio device to the headphone amplifier

Digital Inputs: The TA-ZH1ES headphone amp is also equipped with an
optical (toslink) digital input and coaxial (RCA) digital input for connection
of an external digital audio source device, such as a CD player.

Note: The digital inputs do not support Dolby Digital, DTS, or other
multichannel audio formats.

USB-B Input: The USB-B ports lets you connect your Windows PC
(Vista/7/8/8.1/10) or Mac (OS X) computer to the headphone amplifier for
playback of 2ch PCM & DSD music files stored on your computer or laptop. If you
have a Windows PC, you will be prompted to download a USB driver (Mac does not
require this driver installation).

Stereo Pre-Out: The Sony TA-ZH1ES is outfitted with a set of stereo
RCA pre-outs to connect the headphone amp to an integrated amplifier or powered
speakers. The stereo pre-out can be set to variable or fixed.

Detachable AC Power Cord: The Sony TA-ZH1ES headphone amplifier comes
with a detachable 6' AC power cord which will need to be plugged into an AC wall
outlet, surge protector, or power line conditioner.

Controls

Sony's Hi-Res Audio Player: Sony's Hi-Res Audio Player (for
Windows or Mac) is a player software that allows you to play back high-quality
audio files stored on your computer through the TA-ZH1ES. You can play back
high-resolution audio files, such as PCM (44.1-768kHz; 16-32 bit) & DSD
(2.8/5.6/11.2/22.4MHz; 1-bit) files, purchased in music distribution websites,
simply by connecting the headphone amp to your computer via USB. You'll be
able to create, save, and edit playlists, and play your favorite music in any
order.

Top- & Front-Panel Controls: On the front-panel of the Sony TA-ZH1ES
is a rotary volume knob. On the top-panel of the headphone amp you'll find
push-button controls for Power, Input, Output, Menu, & Gain.

Front-Panel LCD: The front-panel LCD window indicates Input Name,
Input Signal Format, and Menu Items. It does not display song/artist/album
information. There are three dimmer settings for the display including Bright,
Dark, and Off.

Gain: Depending on your headphones' impedance, the volume may remain
low. In this case, set the Gain switch to "High" after tuning the volume down.
In normal use, the Gain switch should be set to "Low".

Balance: You can adjust the right and left balance of the output
signal that is output from the headphone jack or pre-outs.

Auto Volume Down: Auto Volume Down turns down the volume level of the
amplifier automatically when changing the output, inserting/removing the
headphone plug, changing the Gain select switch setting, or turning the
amplifier on while the volume level is set to loud.

Auto Standby: Auto Standby turns the amplifier off automatically when
you do not operate the amplifier in a silent state for approximately 20 minutes.

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team. They verify what’s in the box, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

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Q & A

Customer Q&A

1 question already asked

The Sony TA-ZH1ES does not offer any streaming capabilities of it's own so you would need the connected source (commonly; a computer connected via USB) to provide the capability for you.
For additional assistance and personalized recommendations, feel free to contact us directly by phone or through our online chat service:
https://www.crutchfield.com/support/ContactUs.aspx[ Ryan Oct 20, 2017 ] Staff